There has been dissension in the fashion ranks this season, with high-profile editors and influencers alike defecting from their standard-issue glamour and look-at-me logos and instead embracing an altogether more utilitarian mood. Whether it's a reflection of the sombre state of politics right now or a rejection of the ostentatious trends spreading on Instagram, one thing's for sure: This autumn, fashion is getting stripped back, and we couldn't be happier.
This year's "nu-minimalism" has manifested in myriad ways over the last eight months, but alongside the usual suspects—think clean-lined midi dresses and crisp tailoring—the utility trend has risen up as one of the more unusual spins on the elevated basics bandwagon.
Spotted on the runways of Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu and Chloé, designers have taken cargo trousers, combat boots and utility jackets and combined them with luxe fabrics to create a distinctively grown-up twist on a previously grungy trend. It's all in the details: From the boxy silhouette of a boilersuit to a subtle pocket on a pair of tailored trousers, this is far from Action Man dressing.
Yes, the overwhelming aesthetic of the utility trend is of practicality (the clue's in the name), and you know you can easily chuck on these pieces at the weekend with sneakers, but, unexpectedly, they also look fab dressed up with heels and layered jewellery—just look at Pernille.
When it comes to shopping the trend, high-street faves Arket, Weekday and & Other Stories are acing this look right now, so make sure you check them out for utility essentials. But if you're in need of some more general inspiration, scroll down to see how the fashion crowd is wearing the trend, plus shop the key pieces.
Style Notes: Cargo trousers are set to become the unexpected new staple in our autumn wardrobes. They look fab with hiking sandals, as seen on this influencer.
Style Notes: The utility trend looks fab with tonal separates. Make like Ada and pair a colour-pop shacket with a matching pair of jeans.
Style Notes: A boilersuit has got to be one of the easiest way to work the look. Just make sure the fit is boxy and accessories are kept simple.
Style Notes: Alexis Foreman is the queen of stripped-back style and knows how to rock a utility jacket and chunky boots.
Shop Our Utility Trend Edit
Get the utility staple for less from Topshop.
Wear with everything from denim to dresses.
A wrapover skirt is so noughties, in the best way possible.
I've tried these on and confirm they're fab.
The boxy boilersuit of dreams.
Related: I Tried On Over 50 Pairs of High-Street Shoes—Here's What I Loved
Try unbuttoning and wearing over jeans come autumn.
This would look fab with a white tee.
Trenches never looked so chic.
Layer this over your favourite utility jacket.
This Arket number will add a pop of colour to any outfit.
Practical bags have been given the fashion treatment.
Obsessed with these tailored cargo trousers.
A belted minidress will carry you into autumn.
Style with wide-leg jeans and heeled boots.
You'd never know this dress was from H&M.
Practical and stylish.
Tuck loosely into your favourite jeans.
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